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Chapter 50
Ethan docked Bertha next to the new Touareg and looked at the line of cars. His own BMW 7 series, Rick's BMW 3 series, the new Touareg, and Bertha. It occurred to him that this was excessive - the one thing he had tried to avoid since he had acquired his wealth. He loved Bertha and couldn't part with her, especially because his guy had given her to him. He decided his 7 series would have to go. He'd talk it over with Rick before deciding anything.
Tyler and Josh arrived at 7pm. Josh stood slightly behind his Dad as they entered the condo, shyly saying hello to Ethan and Rick. Adam skipped into the room and went right up to Josh and introduced himself. Asking Josh if he liked Legos and not waiting for a reply, he took Josh by the arm and the two were off to play in Adam's bedroom.
"Since his mother left, he has been a bit shy around new people. He is a bundle of energy when he is with his cousins but turns to stone in new situations. I can see that your guy will have him out of his shell in no time," Tyler offered as he watched the two boys head down the hall.
"I have to say, I am a bit surprised at Adam. He isn't ever around people his own age and I wasn't sure what he would do. Looks like we might have a budding social director on our hands," Rick said.
The three adults sat in the living room munching on chips and having a glass of wine. The conversation flowed easily. Tyler explained that his ex-wife had left with a man she had met at her work and had moved off to Arizona. The new guy wasn't interested in raising Josh so she agreed to Tyler having full custody. She had made little effort to keep in touch since she left. Rick and Ethan nodded and commented that they couldn't understand how someone could do that. Neither could imagine their life without Adam. In a short 6 months, Adam had become the center of their lives.
"We are leaving tomorrow for a short holiday and don't have a lot of food in the condo. My folks are going to be staying here with Adam while we are gone and they have a big shopping trip planned after we leave. So we can order some pizza or I know what Adam would like for dinner. When you hear what it is you will probably opt for pizza." Ethan said.
"Oh, I am used to kid food. What is it," Tyler asked.
"Hot Dogs and Mac & Cheese, and not the homemade stuff. He loves the stuff out of the box with the really fake powdered cheese. I don't want you thinking we are bad parents and that is all we feed him but sometimes we let him have what he likes. Keeps the peace you know," Rick explained.
Tyler laughed and said that the meal sounded great. Soon the three guys were in the kitchen. Rick placed a large pot of water on the stove to start boiling and opened three boxes of Kraft Mac & Cheese. Ethan plopped a package of Hot Dogs into another pot. Once the noodles were in the water they all looked at each other and laughed. Gourmet food was on the way - not.
"Here we are, good looking athletic type guys in our 20s and 30s spending a night in with our 2 kids eating hot dogs and mac & cheese. Who knew this is what was in store for us," Ethan asked while chuckling. The three agreed that they wouldn't want it any other way.
A mere 15 minutes later and dinner was ready. Adam and Josh came skipping down the hall together for dinner. Josh's eyes lit up when he saw what was for dinner. For being such little guys they managed to put away a lot of food. After dinner they brought out their Lego creation. While it was clear to them what it was, it wasn't to the adults but they heaped praise on the little guys. Then they decided to color and soon the living room floor had crayons and color books scattered about. There was a lot of giggling coming from the room, the two boys on their stomachs on the floor coloring with a fury.
Soon it was time to take Tyler and Josh home. Since they drove over in the second Touareg, Ethan and Rick would need to take them home. Ethan asked if they were up for an automotive adventure. Tyler chuckled knowing what was in store.
Bertha wasn't a morning car and wasn't a night car either. She hated being disturbed no matter what time it was. After a small fight, the 5 guys were on their way back to Pensacola. Adam and Josh asked repeatedly when they could get together and play again. The three adults realized that this was the start of a special friendship - for all the guys - young and old.
Kevin was so thankful that Ethan and Rick had planned the trip to St. Thomas. It meant he had a valid excuse to get away from his family. He arrived Christmas morning and after 24 hours he was about to lose his mind.
It all began shortly after his arrival. Kevin' sister, brother-in-law, and their two kids were already at the house. The kids were anxious to open the few presents that were waiting under the tree. The few presents that were there were to symbolize the gifts brought by the three wise men. Santa Claus was not part of the celebrations. The kids received clothing items, the adults received bible covers, some books, and calendars. After the presents, everyone held hands and gave a prayer of thanks.
Then the adults gathered at the dining room table that was only used on special occasions. Kevin could only remember being at the table 3 times a year. Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The two kids were in the kitchen at the regular family table. Another prayer before the meal concluded with "amen" from everyone around the table. Kevin began to wonder if the Pope said as many prayers in one hour as had been offered by his family.
Food was passed and general small talk about the kids, school, and attendance numbers at the church passed some time. Kevin's mother was telling a story about her friend and how her husband had lost his job. He was having difficulty finding a new job and had placed his situation in God's hands.
"What does that mean," Kevin asked.
"God will find a job for him. He will be sure that they are well and fed. His merciful kindness will take care of them through this time of test," Kevin's mother explained.
"Oh, so God is going on job interviews for him," Kevin asked.
You could have heard a pin drop. Kevin's sister actually bowed her head.
"Kevin, I will not tolerate such blasphemy, most especially on this day when we celebrate the birth of our savior. Kevin, I will pray for you because obviously you have lost your way," Kevin's Father said through clenched teeth.
"It is the sinners that you work for that have led you astray. Kevin, you must get right with God. You must break away from that despicable and deviant environment. Clearly they are already poisoning your thoughts," Kevin's mother added.
Just at the moment one of his sister's kids decided to stab the other with a fork. Crying and screaming and chaos diverted everyone's attention. Everyone but Kevin. He stayed at his seat and casually continued eating his meal. He couldn't help but think about Adam and how we would be behaving. This caused him to chuckle. The holier than thou actually had demon children. Adam on the other hand, was an angel.
Finally the meal recommenced but with a tension filled atmosphere.
"You know Kevin, the Bible is clear that the behavior that those people engage in is sinful. Romans, Corinthians, Leviticus - there can be no doubt. If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon him. Kevin these are the words of God (amen from all around the table). You must get away from these people. You must leave their employment immediately and pray to our Lord for his guidance towards a life focused in His service," Kevin's Father said.
"So I should kill them first," Kevin calmly asked. "Afterall, wouldn't that be carrying out God's will? After I do that, I will attend the weekly stoning of adulterers before I leave town. Because that is also God's will. And Dad, I know you like your steaks rare, juicy, with blood running. God said that those that catch or hunt any beast or fowl that may be eaten; he shall pour the blood out and cover it with dust. He said that we should eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh is the blood: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off. Oh, sis, would you pass the gravy please," Kevin spoke with icy calmness.
"Kevin, you are now being silly and disrespectful. You are quoting things out of context. Also times were different then and they didn't have the food preparation techniques we have today," mother said.
"Oh, so taking things out of context is wrong? And applying the same standards that applied thousands of years ago doesn't always make sense? Is that what you are saying Mom." Kevin asked. "You see, Mom, Romans is also clear about other things. You mention the bits that support your argument. But Romans is also clear that those that judge another also condemn themselves; for those that judge do the same things themselves. You should ponder that. All of you should. You piously sit in judgment of Ethan and Rick. You have no right, certainly no God given right to do so. You sin by doing so."
It was Kevin's sister who started the prayer. She prayed aloud for the forgiveness of her brother and for his guidance away from evil. Kevin refused to bow his head. He realized, he may be blood related to these people, but he felt no love from them. He was a stranger in this place. The people in this room only loved those that believed as they did. He belonged back with Sean and the people that loved him. Loved him in a way that God had intended. Unconditionally.
After dinner, he went to his childhood bedroom and didn't emerge until the next day when he said goodbye and left. He went and visited a couple of friends in Tallahassee and then started his way back home. On his drive back to Pensacola he called Sean and asked if he could come over when he arrived in town. When he arrived at Sean's place, he took Sean in his arms and hugged him so tightly that Sean thought he was going to crack a rib.
Kevin broke the hug and looked Sean in the eyes, "Sean, I love you. Thank you for coming into my life."
With that they hugged and went to bed. Kevin told Sean about his experience with the family. Sean just listened knowing that anything he had to say would just make matters worse for Kevin. Sean held Kevin, stroking his chest as he unloaded his tale. Finally Kevin finished and Sean looked at him, took his face in his hands, and gently kissed him on the lips. They didn't make love but cuddled up and fell asleep in each other's arms. Kevin had lost one family, but knew in his heart he had another family now.
The morning had already been chaotic for Ethan and Rick as they finished packing, said goodbye to Adam and Ethan's parents, and dashed off to the airport. Kevin and Sheila had R-1 ready to go. At 8:30am, R-1 left the runway for Pensacola. Ethan and Rick held hands as the plane began the climb to cruising altitude. They had 5 days together and were going to savor every moment.
An hour into the flight, Kevin emerged from the cockpit to find Rick and Ethan cuddled together on the small sofa. Rick had his head in Ethan's lap as they watched a movie on the monitor.
"Hey guys, you sure look comfy. Listen, we have an indicator light coming on and off. I don't think it is anything serious, probably just a malfunction. I would like to land in Ft Lauderdale and have the mechanics take a quick look. Better to get it looked at there then trying to find someone in St Thomas. Hopefully we will only be on the ground for about 30 minutes and on our way again. Sorry about this guys," Kevin explained.
Ethan agreed that it was best to get it repaired at the Compass base and soon R-1 was making her descent across the Everglades. Rick and Ethan moved to the seats and buckled in. R-1 made her way on to the runway at Ft Lauderdale and within minutes they were parked at the Compass Hangar.
Just after the stair had extended and locked into place, Geoff, the head of Compass Air came onboard and greeted Ethan and Rick.
"This is an unexpected surprise. The big boss showing up on short notice," Geoff said as he shook their hands. "But while y'all are here, care to pop into my office for a few minutes? I have just a few things for you to look at. I have to take advantage of this opportunity you know."
Ethan and Rick joined Geoff and were looking over some interior color schemes for the new 757 fleet. Rick was actively engaged and selected the one he thought looked best. Geoff challenged Rick on a couple of points, playing devil's advocate, but Rick held his own and offered great counterpoints. Not surprisingly, Ethan liked the one that Rick had picked, not because Rick had picked it but because they had similar tastes. Ethan would never patronize Rick and if he hadn't liked it, he would have said so. After a bit more discussion it was done and decided. This type of thing still marveled Rick.
The phone in Geoff's office rang and he was advised that everything was ready for Ethan and Rick. The three guys made their way back through the hangar and towards the plane.
Suddenly, Ethan gasped. "Oh my God. My baby. She is back!" He turned and hugged Rick and then hugged a startled Geoff. Before them was A-1. She looked positively enormous, shining in the Florida sun. Rick thought he saw tears in Ethan's eyes. "But how, we just talked about this three weeks ago," Ethan asked Geoff.
Geoff explained that he had taken a risk and taken A-1 out of service back in mid-November and sent her to California to be refit. The interior fittings had been in storage and so it was just a matter of putting her back the way she was. He said he had talked it over with Sarah and that she was sure Ethan would go along with it. He laughed and said that if Ethan hadn't agreed to the fleet change he would have been handing in his resignation.
Ethan bounded up the stairs of A-1. As he entered he noticed that it was just as it was before. He immediately felt at home. Brian, Kevin and Sheila emerged from the cockpit along with Joe, the co-pilot for this flight. Ethan hugged each of them and his face was starting to hurt from the huge smile that wouldn't go away. Joe had never met Ethan and was amazed at how the owner of ENW seemed like such a regular guy. More accurately he seemed like a little kid with a new toy.
"So, you two," Ethan said to Kevin and Sheila, "the whole indicator light thing was a big lie? You lied to your boss, the owner of Compass. Misled him, and interrupted his vacation with this little ruse?"
Joe stiffened thinking the shit was going to hit the fan. Kevin and Sheila looked at each other and Kevin said, "yes, you got a problem with that," delivered in his best thug like voice.
"Hell, no. Thanks so much guys," Ethan said as another hug was delivered to Kevin and Sheila.
Kevin explained that he and Sheila would be going to Dallas the next week for 6 weeks of training at the American Airlines flight academy. This would enable them to get the simulator time and training they would need to move up to the controls of A-1. Ethan congratulated them and said he was glad they would be staying with the hometown team.
Brian showed Ethan a couple of the new things that had been added. The video system had been upgraded and an additional bedroom added. Brian explained that he had admired a video system he had seen on a Gulf Air flight to Bahrain. Gulf Air had a nose gear mounted camera providing a unique view for passengers during taxi, take-off, approach, and landing - basically anytime the gear was down. Brian took the liberty of having one installed on A-1. He had also installed a cockpit camera so that the folks on A-1 could have a view of the cockpit at anytime.
Ethan was like a kid listening to this and couldn't wait to see the new system in operation. Rick, on the other hand, was content not knowing what was going on. Flying was not one of his favorite things and he actually relished not knowing how everything worked. The old adage, ignorance is bliss, worked just fine for Rick in this circumstance. But he knew that this was really Ethan's thing and mustered up an appropriate amount of enthusiasm.
Twenty minutes later, A-1 was closed up and her massive and powerful Rolls-Royce engines came to life. Despite their enormous power the sound level was minimal, in fact much quieter than R-1. A-1 began her taxi and took a "position and hold" at the end of the runway. Ethan had the monitor showing the nose and cockpit camera. He watched as Brian placed his hands on the throttle, Joe's hand just below. The video display units in the cockpit were alive with data as the engines came to life. Watching as the throttle inched forward, Ethan felt A-1 start her roll. The immense power and efficient wing design meant A-1 was soon airborne. Ethan laughed like a kid, clapping his hands as he watched the nose gear camera lift as the gear retracted.
After a quick lunch, Ethan leaned over to Rick and licked his ear lobe causing a shiver to run through Rick's body. "How about we go check out the new bedroom," Ethan said as he nibbled on Rick's neck.
The two made their way to the new bedroom and in seconds they were both naked. Ethan ran his hands over Rick's body, marveling at the beauty of the man he loved. They fell on to the bed, locked in each other's arms, tongues exploring, and made passionate love to one another. They both were covered in the result of this, having exploded with huge loads rivaling any teenager. Each took a quick shower, put themselves back together, and went back out to the main cabin. A-1 was on approach to St Thomas, the turquoise waters and lush green mountains coming into view.
Rick and Ethan held hands as A-1 flared and touched down in America's Paradise. What a day it had been and the vacation hadn't even really started yet. The two lovers emerged into the hot, humid, tropical air and made their way to the waiting car. Ethan looked back at A-1 and smiled. His girl was back and he was with the love of his life. He felt blessed.